Tributes paid as Blair Drummond Safari Park’s beloved elephant Mondula dies aged 54

In a statement, Blair Drummond Safari Park announced they said goodbye to their elephant Mondula this morning.

They wrote that Mondula, who was 54-years-old and the only African elephant in Scotland, was gently put to sleep after a recent spate of ill-health linked to age-related complications.

Initially living in a number of European zoos before finally being transferred from Erfurt Zoo in Germany, to Blair Drummond in 1998, Mondula, affectionately called Mondy by her friends, had lived at the park for the last 28 years.

Born in 1971, it’s thought that Mondy was a wild-caught orphan calf.

Sadly, the practice of taking young animals from the wild was common at this time, and this traumatic start left Mondy with a number of specific challenges for those caring for her.

Blair Drummond was able to offer Mondy a home for life and the park has subsequently become one of the leading facilities for the care of geriatric female elephants.

Mondy had six full-time keepers dedicated to her wellbeing.

Head elephant keeper Suzie Marshall said: “Mondy was so beloved by everyone here and she will be much missed.

“Her legacy is, however, a very important one. Having spent nearly half her life with us here at Blair Drummond, Mondy has allowed us to develop one of the most comprehensive elephant care plans in the country.

“And today, it stands as a benchmark for the care of the remaining stock of elephants in captivity.

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“In 2013, we built one of the most cutting-edge elephant houses in Europe. The facility was specifically designed to cater for elderly female elephants.

“These individuals, living outside the desired family herd structure, were likely to face additional behavioural challenges.

“We understood that addressing the psychological needs of these elephants was just as crucial as caring for their physical ailments.”

Mondy initially lived with two other elephants

Mondy did initially live with two other female elephants, Estrella and Toto.

However, Mondy’s lack of exposure to a stable family herd structure during her formative years undoubtedly affected her ability to form close bonds with other elephants.

When Estrella passed in 2013 and Toto in 2016, the decision was made to house Mondy alone, as this was thought to be the best solution for her individual needs.

Following this, her relationship with her keepers deepened, as did her willingness to participate in training, which provided her with greater mental stimulation.

The safari park say her physical condition also markedly improved, surprising even expert veterinary consultants and animal behaviourists.

Leading elephant expert Professor Phyllis C. Lee from the University of Stirling commented: “Her improvement in all aspects of physical appearance and behaviour was marked, with good and visible muscle development in her forelegs, and her sway-back is now completely gone.

“I can only commend the large mammal team at Blair Drummond for the work they have put into encouraging her to stretch, move, balance and use her muscles both indoors and out.

“Mondy will be greatly missed by all the staff, visitors and members at Blair Drummond Safari Park.”

‘Mondy’s taught us so much and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together’

Managing director of the park Hector Muir, paid tribute to Mondy and the dedicated work of her keepers: “As well as being a hugely beloved character here at the park, Mondy also played an important part in our ongoing work to protect some of the world’s most endangered species.

“During her years with us, she’s taught us so much and we’re so very proud of what we’ve achieved together.

“Her keepers have shown exceptional dedication to her care and it’s been a privilege to watch her thrive. And now it’s an honour to say a very sad farewell to this special lady.”